Ward Trek

Our ward decided to do a family trek this year and we invited Grandma and Grandpa Haacke along since they are the trek experts.  We walked and pushed a handcart 12 miles in three days in Wyoming.  It was an amazing experience and I am glad that we were able to experience it together as a family.  Our adventure started with a bang--literally:

Jaxon's hand was crushed between two handcarts.  Grandma Haacke immediately put his hand under cold water and then asked around for some ice.  She ran into an ER doctor and he assessed Jaxon's injury.  Jaxon could move his fingers fine, but became nauseated while doing so.  So the doctor decided they should splint Jaxon's hand to at least help control the swelling.  Mean time, the rest of us were in orientation.  When we had finished, Jaxon and Grandma came in.  I about died when I saw Jaxon!  (See above.)  He was a trooper and by the end of the day he was just fine--thankfully.

Here is our cute little family all dressed in our pioneer clothes set to cross the river.  We were the last ones to cross the river.

Some must push and some must pull!  Since we were the last ones through the river, we received some extra help.  Nice!

Grandma, Kayden and I after we had forded the river.

Our family in Martin's Cove.  Kayden (on Jeremy's shoulders) got sick on the way to Wyoming.  He wasn't himself the whole time we were there.  He didn't eat much at all and was constantly sleepy.

Grandma and Grandpa walking out of the cove.  We love them.

Lunch!  The bite out of Kayden's sandwich is the only bite he took.  At least he is smiling for the camera.  Jaxon had no problem scarfing down his sandwich.  All that pushing and pulling makes you hungry!

Instead of doing the traditional Women's Pull during trek, we decided to do a children's pull.  We wanted to teach our children that they can do hard things and that as parents we need to let them do hard things.  Our bishop wrote the following letter:

Dear Highland 33^rd Ward Youth,

When we were born and came to earth, we left behind a loving Heavenly Father. But He is not far away. He watches us and cares for us—even in our times of struggle. He let us struggle because He knows that these experiences help us to grow and develop character.

Your parents play a similar role. As much as they would love to always step in and eliminate any suffering or hardship that you might encounter in life—and during this Children’s Pull, they recognize that what Elder Larry Y. Wilson recently stated in General Conference is true: “Wise parents prepare their children to get along without them.” (May 2012 Ensign).

We express our love to you and confidence in you. We know that you can do hard things, and we will always be there to pray for you and support you. Follow the Spirit and rely on the strength of your siblings and friends to help you succeed. Great joy comes from accomplishing difficult tasks and in returning to meet up with loved ones in the end.

James Kirkwood was 11 years old when he came across these same plains. “[His] primary responsibility on the trek was to care for his little 4-year-old brother, Joseph, while his mother and oldest brother, Robert, pulled the cart. As they climbed Rocky Ridge, it was snowing and there was a bitter cold wind blowing … When little Joseph became too weary to walk, James, the older brother, had no choice but to carry him (see the picture on the back of this). Left behind the main group, James and Joseph made their way slowly to camp. When the two finally arrived at the fireside, James, ‘having so faithfully carried out his task, collapsed and died from exposure and over-exertion.’” (July 2002 Ensign)

In this Children’s Pull, rest assured that you will not face the same physical dangers as this. But love one another and help each other to succeed in the spirit of James Kirkwood and so many other faithful pioneer children. Many of you are walking for ancestors who were children when they crossed the plains; think of them in particular during this time that you walk.

As you proceed up the hill, it should be a silent experience. Please be sensitive to the safety and wellbeing of the youngest of this group and allow sufficient space between handcarts, particularly as you approach and ascend the hill.

We love you!

The Highland 33^rd Ward Parents

 He had this picture of James Kirkwood and his brother on the back of the letter: 

It was a touching experience watching our children pull the handcarts up that sandy steep hill.

The adults all stood at the top of the hill cheering them on and singing songs.  We have amazing kids.  And they can do hard things!

Our ward was split into companies.  We were the yellow company and Jeremy was our company leader.  We are all pictured together above.

We are so grateful for the pioneers, the sacrafices they made and the things that we are able to learn because of them.  When the trek was over we were glad we had come, but we were definitely ready to go home!